California Higher Education System Overview

University of California The California State University California Colleges A Three Tiered System

UC/CSU/Community College Higher Education System California s three-tiered higher ed. system has firm guidelines that govern: what degrees are offered how students can move directly into one of the four-year universities or from a community college to a CA university Public Universities California is home to 2 world renowned public university systems: University of California & Cal State Universities People from all over the country & world attend our home state colleges/universities. Some of the least expensive in the country. Private Universities not a part of this system

University of California (UC) UC Berkeley UC Davis UC Irvine UCLA UC Merced UC Riverside UC San Diego UC San Francisco University of California UC Santa Barbara UC Santa Cruz

University of California (UC) Purpose: research institution for the State of California Campuses 10, but only 9 accept freshman applicants Total # Students About 200,000 students system-wide Degrees Offered bachelor, masters, PhD (doctorate); also professional certificates such as Law, Medical, Pharmacy, Veterinary, Dental Cost approx. $13,000 per year for tuition

University of California (UC) Admissions top 12.5% of California high school seniors; Guarantee admission to top 9% in the state and top 9% of each high school (ELC) Minimum GPA of 3.0 but academic index of 277 based on a comprehensive review of courses, grades, SAT or ACT (including writing portion), activities and personal statement. SAT Subject Test scores also considered as value added but do not count against the applicant even if scores are low. Greatest weight given to courses and grades.

University of California (UC) Class size Typically larger. General Ed or even some upper division major courses 200-300 students. Professor vs. TA Prof lectures; graduate student Teaching Assistant (TA) leads a discussion section and grades students Emphasis Research & theoretical based educational focus w/ post-graduate options. Quarter vs Semester System Most campuses run on the quarter system: Three 10 weeks terms per year. Exceptions Berkeley and Merced.

The California State University California State University (CSU) Professors Focus on teaching; not required to publish or perish Campuses 23: San Diego, San Marcos, Fullerton, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Dominguez Hills*, Pomona, Northridge, San Bernardino, Bakersfield*, Channel Islands*, San Luis Obispo, Fresno, Stanislaus*, Monterey Bay*, San Jose, San Francisco, East Bay*, Maritime Academy*, Sacramento, Chico, Sonoma, Humboldt Total # Students Approx. 415,000 students system-wide Degrees Offered Bachelor and masters degrees. Recently have been allowed to offer EdD and limited number of other professional doctorate degrees. Few offer joint PhD s in partnership with a local UC or private institution.

California State University (CSU) Cost approx. $6000 per year Admissions based on: Eligibility index calculated using GPA and test scores; Top 33% of CA high school students accepted; 6 Campuses are not impacted, therefore, students with the minimum eligibility are accepted: 2.0 GPA with 1300 SAT (CR & Math) or 3.0 GPA with any SAT score Eligibility Index of 2900

California State University (CSU) Class Size Typically smaller Emphasis focus more on professional, non-research oriented options. Research opportunities do exist though. Quarter vs Semester System Most campuses run on semester system All campuses will switch to semester within the next 5 years.

Similarities A G Students must complete the 15 A G courses for minimum eligibility: History/social science (2yrs); college-preparatory English (4 yrs); college-preparatory mathematics (3 yrs/4 recommended); lab science (2yrs/3 yrs recommended); language other than English (2 yrs of same language/3 yrs recommended); visual and performing arts (1 yr) Each w/ grade C or better Grades those from 9thgrade are NOT included in the GPA but must be C or better in academic classes With a higher GPA the test score required goes down.

Similarities Applications Closing date is November 30 for the following Fall semester/quarter. If qualified for a fee waiver, you can apply to 4 campuses for free. 4 UC, 4 CSU. Transcripts are NOT sent to the campuses with the application. No letters of recommendation are accepted. Transfer Students Those from community college must be given first priority VERY limited transfers from any institution other than California Community College

California Community Colleges (CCC) Campuses 112 Emphasis Workforce training, basic skills classes in English & math, certificate programs, & preparation to transfer to the university Transfers UC & CSU must give 1stpriority to transfer students from CCC Degrees Offered Associate Degree programs 15 Community Colleges are approved to offer bachelor degree s in career fields that see a need for more highly educated workers Airframe Manufacturing, Industrial Automation, Emergency Services & Allied Health Systems, Mortuary Science, Equine Industry, Dental Hygiene, Bio-manufacturing, Respiratory Care, Automotive Technology, Health Information Management, Occupational Studies, Health Information Management, Biotechnology Cost $46 per unit Admissions No requirements to be eligible to attend once 18 years old